Hyundai Tucson vs Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that fit well within the era of "postmodern automotive styling," with its massive corporate grille complementing the stout, chunky styling. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin mirrored this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that prominently framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout, but by 2021, Volkswagen's similar designs had somewhat diminished its uniqueness. Despite this, the Q3's interior remained modern and refined, though not as distinctive as before.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and was offered in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and expanded cargo space. Its front featured Hyundai's new design language, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED lights, creating a unique visual signature. The side profile borrowed styling cues from the Hyundai Elantra, while the rear boasted distinctive LED taillights. The Tucson's design helped it stand out among compact SUVs, with high-end trims offering premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain-resistant cloth seats and a spacious cabin that rivaled other compact SUVs in its class.

The 2021 Audi Q3 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The S-Line trim offered a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. The Q3's handling was nimble, offering a comfortable ride that balanced engagement and refinement. However, the base engine exhibited some turbo lag, particularly noticeable during hard acceleration or highway passing.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain was the standout, providing more power and a more enjoyable driving experience. The Tucson's hybrid model outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. All-wheel drive was standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, performing well in off-road conditions. The Tucson Hybrid was notably more fuel-efficient, achieving up to 38 mpg combined, while the ICE models offered respectable fuel economy figures.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the overall cargo capacity was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space, providing comfortable front seats and impressive rear headroom and legroom. It could seat five, but four passengers would enjoy a more comfortable road trip experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, as a budget-friendly compact SUV, boasted an interior that rivaled its competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims, along with lumbar support and heated front seats. The new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with the Tucson offering more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. Its 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area was comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and it featured a 60-40 split-folding rear seat with a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, featuring logical menu navigation, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available, replacing the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, and a fully digital instrument cluster. A 10.25-inch touchscreen was available, though it required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was part of a flat, touch-sensitive head unit that integrated climate and media controls, necessitating reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands for ease of use.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional options included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features encompassed blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai also provided a robust warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.